Great Falls defenseman Barta makes college commitment

July 26, 2016

The Great Falls Americans of the NA3HL are pleased to announce that defenseman Connor Barta has committed to play ACHA hockey for Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

 

Barta, a 6'2/190 lbs. defenseman from Great Falls, Montana, played his last five seasons with the Americans in both the NA3HL and AWHL. Barta, 21, served as a team captain each of the last three seasons under Head Coach Jeff Heimel. In his last season of junior hockey this past season, Connor helped lead the Americans to the Silver Cup Semi-Finals, their best finish since joining the NA3HL.

 

In 46 regular season games this past season, Barta had 18 points. He also was selected to play in the 2016 NA3HL Top Prospects Tournament for the Frontier Division team.

 

"Adding Connor into our defensive core for this upcoming season really puts us in a nice spot moving forward. Connor brings serious speed to the mix. He has a great stride and can rush the puck when needed," said Head Coach Jordan Permoda at Barta's signing. "Working with the ownership at Great Falls, his family, and most of all Connor, has been a real treat. We are thrilled to make him a part of our Saint family." 

 

"I'm very excited to start a new chapter in my life," said Barta. "College has always been the goal as I progressed through Junior hockey and now it is starting to come true, it's a surreal feeling."  Supporting Connor in his decision are his mother Cindy and step-father Ken. Connor will arrive on campus later this summer and begin his studies in business.